enshrinement
Definition
- Noun:
- The act of placing a sacred object in a shrine: "enshrinement" refers to the process of placing a holy or revered item, such as a relic, into a shrine or sacred place for preservation and veneration.
- A state of being preserved or protected as if sacred: In a figurative sense, "enshrinement" describes the act of holding something, like a principle or memory, in high regard and protecting it from change or harm.
Usage Examples
- Literal:
- The enshrinement of the saint's bones in the cathedral attracted many pilgrims. (The act of placing the bones into a sacred place.)
- Figurative:
- The enshrinement of freedom of speech in the constitution ensures its protection. (The act of preserving this right as a sacred principle.)
Advanced Usage
- "enshrinement of rights": the formal and protected establishment of legal or moral rights.
- The enshrinement of human rights in international law is a key achievement. (The rights are treated as inviolable and preserved.)
Variants and Related Words
- Enshrine (verb): to place or keep something in a shrine, or to preserve something as if sacred.
- The museum will enshrine the ancient artifacts. (Place them in a protected space.)
- Shrine (noun): a holy or sacred place dedicated to a deity, saint, or revered person.
- The shrine was built to honor the warrior. (A sacred structure.)
Synonyms
- Consecration: the act of making something sacred.
- Preservation: the act of keeping something in its original state.
- Veneration: great respect or reverence.
Related Idioms
- Place on a pedestal: to treat someone or something as perfect or sacred.
- Critics placed the artist on a pedestal, leading to the enshrinement of his work. (The work was revered and protected from criticism.)